“The agent hadn’t been likeable, and she had done deplorable things to climb the ladder of success. Regardless, Kate still had some pity for her.”

Kate“The agent hadn’t been likeable, and she had done deplorable things to climb the ladder of success. Regardless, Kate still had some pity for her.”

Kate and Keith have this one as during the town-wide Labor Day blowout, a not-so-beloved agent is found dead following a rather public disagreement. Will this spoil their romantic getaway? Unless you can get Robin-Hero to spill the catnip, you’ll have to read it and find out.

In this, the 6th book of the series, Ritter Ames proves that she can think outside the picnic basket....and with the tips and tricks after the story, even I, a former professional cook, can learn a thing or two. Highly recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

In this box set, Amorette Anderson reveals the next 4 spells (Voice, Earth, Water and Air) but you don’t need to have read the first box set/individuaIn this box set, Amorette Anderson reveals the next 4 spells (Voice, Earth, Water and Air) but you don’t need to have read the first box set/individual books unless you want to because each of the series can be read as a stand alone.

As the girls of the Earth Coven become more comfortable with their expanding powers, they become more attuned to themselves. It might mean that some spells are solitary as others need the group just as their own intuition helps them mature. We especially see this through Penny, who now begins to trust herself and faces future and choices all of them must make...even Turkey.

This whole series is so much fun and Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received these books from the author and voluntarily reviewed them]...more

“Just because someone means to tell you the truth doesn’t mean they will.”

Nora Ashcroft, 5th Wind Witch, is seriously stuck between a rock and a hard“Just because someone means to tell you the truth doesn’t mean they will.”

Nora Ashcroft, 5th Wind Witch, is seriously stuck between a rock and a hard place as she gets involved with the death of Dmitri Flint. Dimitri died of natural causes...or, did he. Everything he says makes sense, but he has unresolved issues, which might be keeping him from crossing over. And, since Ruby True has “retired”,Nora is the only one capable of finding resolution for her ghostly shadow.

Dimitri hasn’t been exactly truthful about his life. Leave it to Nora to find out the truth in an unresolved issue that he needs to truly get off his chest.

And, as Nora solves that, her unresolved problem with Tanner and Eva who went through the Portal, supposedly forever, taints her deepening relationship with Donovan. When she finds one town resident has a private portal, she is at a crossroads. Given the chance to find Tanner, would she close the Portal or go to find him? Tanner’s familiar,Monster, may hold the key to the answer...

Leave it to Nova Nelson to bring us back into Eastwind on the trail of yet another intriguing story. Will the truth win out? Just who’s in charge here? And just what’s going to happen next? Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

Melissa Eller, known to most in the neighborhood as Lissa, mother of two, wife of glob“Police don’t scare me a bit, but don’t make me face my mother.”

Melissa Eller, known to most in the neighborhood as Lissa, mother of two, wife of globe trotting journalist Derek “Dek” Eller and dog-mom to Honey, a Golden Lab. Between worry about Dek, and her two precocious sons,”Frugal Lissa”runs an online blog about saving money.

Returning to live in the town you grew up in might have advantages, however,there are also disadvantages when the people you went to school with are now those in charge. Lissa and her legal eagle friend Abby are reminded of this when a body is found in her neighbor’s garage and Lissa May have been one of the last people to see him before he died. When she does the right thing and calls 911, one of her high school nemesis responds as the Detective Sargent in charge. And it goes downhill from there. With Abby’s help, Lissa finally gets to the root of the situation having turned over a number of things to find clues.

Without a doubt, Ritter Ames is still one of my favorite cosy mystery writers. This first in a new series has twists and turns, dead ends and old rivalries enough to fill many new books. This is a marvelous introduction to a new “family” of characters I can hardly wait to know better...oh, and the tricks and recipes at the back are enough to make you want to go cook! Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

[Note: This review is for the “two books in one” :*Written in the Leaves* and *Rogue Leaves*, which I won in an author giveaway and chose to read and[Note: This review is for the “two books in one” :*Written in the Leaves* and *Rogue Leaves*, which I won in an author giveaway and chose to read and review]

Lily Rockingham, owner of the mobile tea truck The Aquarius Moon travels around to where she needs to be, even if she’s not sure why. When anyone asks, she says the tea leaves tell her.

In “Written in the Leaves”. Charley McGraw, local architect, has been hired to oversee a demolition next to a house that is on the Historic Registry. But someone might end the job before it begins, as things disappear until the site is robbed and vandalized. Then they find that offsite storage has also been burglarized. Who would do something like this? Will Charley and Seth find the answers before something else happens?

In “Rogue Leaves” Lily has moved right into the middle of an FBI investigation into some local burglaries that trace back to one of the FBIs most wanted. Trouble is one of the investigators ha a history in the town, and has to deal with her past while investigating the present situation. Could it affect her future? Right now, only the fine art of Tassomancy is giving anyone a clue, and Lily isn’t sure exactly what they are saying.

I grabbed this book as we left for the doctor this morning, and by the time we returned, I was almost done with the second story. Both are “snapshots “ of the wit and wisdom of Jocie McKade. I had so much fun. I do hope these two well written witty mysteries will be followed by many others. Highly Recommended 5/5...more

“Deep down, I know that I have work to do before I can really harness the power of my emotions. …This Water Spell is too much. I can’t wait ‘til it’s“Deep down, I know that I have work to do before I can really harness the power of my emotions. …This Water Spell is too much. I can’t wait ‘til it’s done with, and I can stop confronting all of this baggage that I took on before I was six.”

In this book, the eighth in the series, Penny is forced to confront her past and let go of things that might provoke her abilities as a witch. All the while this is going on, she takes on an overprotective client that is worried about her child being abducted. When the Hillcrest police don’t give her the answer she want,Lauren comes to Penny to try to find the answers... can Penny find the REAL truth?

The Terra Coven takes on the preparation for the Water Spell, which seems to have some of them worried. A spell that’s tied to emotional cloudiness,if resolved,could change their lives even more than they know. The question is, do they want to let go of their singular and joint excuses and celebrate the present and the future? Are they ready?

Amorette Anderson’s books in this series are a roller coaster of laughs, tears and “what’s next” as Penny, Marley, Annie and Cora truly begin to trust the idea of family in its many forms. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“Every journey takes you somewhere. You won’t see your destination until you get there.”

Wes Rockville blew it badly enough that his boss-slash-Father“Every journey takes you somewhere. You won’t see your destination until you get there.”

Wes Rockville blew it badly enough that his boss-slash-Father has him posted to a secret program as a last resort before he washes out of a family tradition. Wes’ new partner, Alastair Verne, is part of the Witches Protection Program. Which leaves the question: do witches really exist? And.... why does Junie’s stew glow green?

Wes’ first assignment is to protect Morgan Pendragon, heiress to a mega Beauty Company. Thing is, Morgan doesn’t believe she actually needs protection. Little does she know exactly what IS going on with her Aunt and her assistants. Is the next thing on the agenda world domination?

Michael Okon has taken ideas from steampunk, Men in Black, Ghostbusters and other satirical tropes and woven a short, laugh-out-loud alternative reality that will have you up all hours. Yes, the mystery is fairly simple, but the mazes you enter to get to the end are witty, tongue-in-cheek and just plain fun. We can only hope this wild ride continues for a very.long.time. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“The DI works like his life depends on it. I’m amazed he’s found time for a woman.” “Perhaps he works like a dog precisely because there’s nothing els“The DI works like his life depends on it. I’m amazed he’s found time for a woman.” “Perhaps he works like a dog precisely because there’s nothing else in his life,” Roach interjected. “When the right one comes along…”

On the Island of Jersey, Detective Inspector [DI] David Graham has worked hard to buil his team and it’s beginning to pay off. Barnwell has twice been honored for gallantry. Roach has passed the Sargent’s exam and is focusing on forensics with Dr. Tomlinson. Graham is proud of his men, but he’s lonely and hopes to spend time with the local librarian Laura.

Life gets in the way however as a hurricane approaches, and then a missing scientist:Greg Somerville. Not the most well liked person, several suspects are considered from his girlfriend, the locals or the French fishermen they have a running feud with, or the animal rights activists overly concerned with his study. Who did it and better yet,why? Will David and Laura ever have an uninterrupted date?

I love everything that Alison Golden writes and this is no exception. My only concern is the time between “cases”, but I know they’ll be worth waiting for. Highly Recommended 5/5[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“My job’s more like yours—following a tail of symptoms to the guilty diagnosis “

Told mostly through the narration of Chet the Dog, Spencer Quinn takes“My job’s more like yours—following a tail of symptoms to the guilty diagnosis “

Told mostly through the narration of Chet the Dog, Spencer Quinn takes on the past wrapping around a present-day murder involving a country singer with a past of glory that’s plopped directly into the 60s with all it’s issues. Lotty Pilgrim, a now 70-something murder suspect has a past that rivals a soap opera, and it comes together when her agent/male companion is found murdered in her bed.

However, as Chet and his Private Detective partner Bernie Little know full well: the past isn’t always prologue, and it’s up to them to sort out the whole blessed thing.

The advanced publicity around this book is that it;s a good place to start if you haven’t read Spencer Quin in his many guises; which I hadn’t. The mystery is actually fairly simple bu how you get there is the fun part. Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and voluntarily read and reviewed it]...more

“It is different, isn’t it?...Seeing a photo of someone, or hearing their name, their occupation... what their status is... Compared to really being i“It is different, isn’t it?...Seeing a photo of someone, or hearing their name, their occupation... what their status is... Compared to really being in their presence. You can learn so much about a person by looking into her eyes.”

Sara-Snow- White is a reporter for a small newspaper. The fact that she’s the owner’s daughter isn’t known...she does her job, she goes back to her rental where she is virtually the housekeeper, and, by edit from her step-mother, she stays away from her father because Fiona is jealously guarding him.

Sara is intrigued when the sale goes through of a lucrative mining operation outside of town, so she contacts the new owner, and their mutual attraction is obvious. However, Sara has a job to do and what seems to a growing mysterious connection between other mine owners and the losing bidder. Is she right about Peak Mine? About the connections? About Amir?

Amorette Anderson is giving the reader something completely different to her paranormal series here, and it’s wonderful! Subtly borrowing from “Snow White”, the character Sara is also part Lois Lane as she thoroughly investigates and reports the situation, and handles the distractions(good and bad) with self-assurance be-spelling her insecurities. I hope this is not the last of what may turn out to be a fun new series! Highly Recommended 5/5

[I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“I think I understand,” she said. “But I also think it’s better when we live up to our own expectations, rather than try to be what we think others ex“I think I understand,” she said. “But I also think it’s better when we live up to our own expectations, rather than try to be what we think others expect.”

Hope Mastersen Hopkins was a new pastor’s spouse having recently married Reverend Doctor Gideon Hopkins of Bannoch’s Mount Zion Tabernacle. A retired Marine who taught self-defense classes to older community members Hope was sure she’d fall short of the expectations of the rest of Bannoch, let alone the First Ladies’ Club. The last thing she’d ever expected was to become First Lady of Mt.Zion!

Wondering what might be expected of her, stepping in to oversee the Youth Camping trip. Bannoch was a small town, but the attempts to establish a drug presence in the schools was unsettling to parents as well as older kids. And when one of the teens invites a recent overdose victim, things aren’t getting any easier. Dawn might have been a victim of the foster system, acting out her frustration with her foster mother with the drugs, but she envies the family the church exhibits, and works hard to be able to go on the trip.

Little does anyone know how all these pieces are going to fit together as the Church trip intersects with the drug cartel. Leave it to J B Hawker to gently combine the problems of today’s life with a foundation of faith and Hope. This contemporary series has been a favorite of mine, but this one had difficulty at the start to keep me interested and it took me longer than normal to read it. I still recommend it and praise Hawker for her writing about hard subjects. 4/5

[ disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

Angie, Octo-Cat and Nan are “movin’ on up” to Octo-Cat’s former owner and benefactor’s home. Angi‘A fresh corpse next door. What a housewarming gift!“

Angie, Octo-Cat and Nan are “movin’ on up” to Octo-Cat’s former owner and benefactor’s home. Angie’s a bit freaked out; her old rental could probably fit in one of the seven bedrooms. In some ways, she’s moving into a palace...with a turret bedroom..and a view of the water...and a cat runs the show!

Moving day arrives, and with it comes another murder! Her next door neighbor, Senator Lou Harlow, was found dead at the bottom of her stairs! With no clues, the cops are willing to believe she just got clumsy and an accident occurred, but Angie thinks otherwise. Octo-Cat is even sad..he liked the lady. Her choice of Sphinx cats on the other hand, makes him shudder. But, he’s Angie’s only connection to finding out just what happened. Maybe her mother is right; Pet Whisperer PI May become her moniker....

These books are like snacks: short and sweet. You can read them in a short time and they are very enjoyable. Molly Fitz is a great writer and I hope this series continues a long time! Highly Recommended 5/5...more

“You know Penny, some people are so afraid to fail that they never try.“

Penny’s at it again! Another spell, another case....another “problem”. Seems t“You know Penny, some people are so afraid to fail that they never try.“

Penny’s at it again! Another spell, another case....another “problem”. Seems the realms are disharmonious and when an old body is found up near Marley’s mine... our intrepid detective, her coven and her familiar need to “right the wrong” that not only could ruin Cora’s wedding, but have another cycle of years out of wack!

Can she reunite the Coven of Murdock and find out who killed the “missing member”? Will Cora’s wedding to Silas go off without a meltdown? Will Turkey overdose on sardines? And just what does Max have up his sleeve...or in his heart, this time?

I just love these books: a bit snarky, a bit witchy, and a whole lot of fun. Amorette Anderson has conjured a great series that gets better and better as it progresses. Highly Recommended 5/5

[I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“To me, knitting was a chore and an obligation rather than the pleasure it was to true knitters. Frankly, I felt the same about my witchcraft. I was a“To me, knitting was a chore and an obligation rather than the pleasure it was to true knitters. Frankly, I felt the same about my witchcraft. I was a bit scared of it, and if I could’ve passed on my ‘gift’ to a more deserving witch, I happily would have. Still, fate had handed me both innate witch powers and a knitting shop. I pretty much had to figure out how to make both of them work.”

Lucy Swift’s Shop,Cardinal Woolsey’s, has been chosen to be the venue for a knitting series staring Teddy Lamont, a knitting expert and one of Lucy’s grandmother’s favorite celebrities. People were chosen from all over to be part of the filming, and Lucy is feeling pretty good until one “student” comes in and “takes over” thinking she is even better than Lamont! The morning after Teddy storms out, the woman is found dead in the shop when Lucy comes down to open up. Now what?

Lucy and her group of paranormal sleuths are on the case, looking to find out just what happened before the reputation of Cardinal Woolsey’s is as dead as Enid Selfe is!

This series has yet to disappoint! Vampires who knit, witches, detectives...and Nyx. Nancy Warren has added a bit more to the pattern of these lovable characters. Pick up one, or better yet, get them all. A fantastic series. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“I understood what Margaret meant, though. So long as the presence of witches here had been benign, no one much bothered. But, as history had shown, t“I understood what Margaret meant, though. So long as the presence of witches here had been benign, no one much bothered. But, as history had shown, the minute things turned ugly, people liked to point a finger.”

In this, the sixth in the Vampire Knitting Club series, Lucy finds herself tangled in another murder at the village fête at Morton-under- Wychwood where Violet, her cousin and latest salesperson, has been tapped to be the Fortune Teller.

After a perfectly “truthful” fortune, the wife of a business person in town is murdered. Leave it to Lucy to pick-apart the many strands, and with the help of her Vampire Knitting Club friends, she is able to knit together a series of unfortunate events that present themselves as parts of a whole lot of trouble.

Some of the reoccurring character fade into the background as Nancy Warren takes Lucy and the gang out of the store and into the “real world” with its money and historical prejudice issues can muck up a perfectly simple mystery.

I really like Lucy,Ian,Gran and Rafe. These are people I could enjoy hanging around with for many years to come. Highly Recommended 5/5

[I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

““Remember what Theodore Roosevelt said?” Cora says. “Speak softly but carry a big stick.” “I think we have to speak with authority, and align our act““Remember what Theodore Roosevelt said?” Cora says. “Speak softly but carry a big stick.” “I think we have to speak with authority, and align our actions to our words,” Annie says.”

Set in the quirky world of birdwatching, the Earth Coven members, especially Penny Banks land smack in the middle of the death of a famous birder. Was it an accident? Why aren’t those closest mourning his death. Why is the “voice spell”so wordy. And just what is Turkey doing taking classes at Harvard?

Actions mirror concerns, and Penny can’t shake that Patrick Puffin’s widow and his minions aren’t acting like people who just lost their leader. It was obviously a murder. Who might benefit most? Having been requested to NOT investigate by the Hillcrest police, Penny’s puzzler brain can’t help but try to figure it out. It can’t all be about a birder “life list” can it?

Penny and the coven are back in the 6th of the Hillcrest Witch series. I have come to care for each of these women and have happily cheered each time one of them faces down an obstacle and moves forward. Embarrassed by the way the Voice Spell instructions are presented, they miss the knowledge within, until it clicks, and then, like other times, we see just how powerful magic can be. In the meantime, try Annie’s new cinnamon rolls and settle in to a great edition to the series! Highly Recommended 5/5...more

In this book, the tenth in the Eastwind Witch series, Nora and Giovanni are dancing around a rel“One of these days, I would learn to be professional.”

In this book, the tenth in the Eastwind Witch series, Nora and Giovanni are dancing around a relationship that is developing since their significant others disappeared. Have they thought this through? Are Tanner and Eva really gone? Can they fully explore how they feel about each other and can they/should they move on from what has happened?

Nora’s been in Eastwind a whole year now. Is this a good thing? She’s made a lot of friends, as well as a few enemies. Her life in Eastwind beats her old life big time. Is her attraction to Donovan Stringfellow worth giving into?

Speaking of Donovan, why did his brother Leonardo, who saw Eastwind as a rear-view mirror town, just arrive for a visit with his “fiancée” Serena, an elf, to show her where he came from. Made no sense to any other family member, but he does have a hidden agenda of some kind. When they all gather at the Stringfellows’ home and dinner is interrupted by news that “uncle Giovanni” has died and no one seems to really care, Nora scratches her head, but goes along to help figure out what happened. Yes, he died. Yes, Ted’s doing his job. But.....where’d the body go?

Nora’s still learning about what it means to be a Fifth Wind with all the consequences of her job. Is there still ANOTHER Fifth Wind around...because face it, Ruby didn’t do this, and Nora hasn’t a clue...and Ted’s all upset because he can’t really do his job without the body. What is going on?

After 9 previous books, you wonder if Nova Nelson could spin another story out of Eastwind. With Dead Witch Walking, she finds new and exciting facets within every character she has created, and leaves you just wanting more. I highly recommend this book and this series for pure paranormal escapism. 5/5

[I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

I really love this series, and have eagerly waited for each book to appear. Penny reminds me of awkward me when I was young, until something gave me hI really love this series, and have eagerly waited for each book to appear. Penny reminds me of awkward me when I was young, until something gave me hope that I wasn’t just a total mess-up. Let’s face it, most of us have that kind of history in our lives. We can barely trust ourselves;how can we find our power? How can we help others when we can’t even remember laundry day?

That’s who we meet in these stories: Penny Banks:neophyte PI. She’d rather knit than solve mysteries. She loves her cat Turkey, who’s smarter than anyone can imagine, and at the moment, she and her knitting circle are stumbling into the power of becoming...witches after she is given a copy of ‘The Art and Science of Becoming a Witch”.

Each story tackles a chapter in the book, and peeks into the lives of Penny, Annie,Marley and Cora as the Terra Coven works to keep Hillcrest safe from other forces. You never know what the next spell will bring to them, but it sure is fun to find out.

This is a great way to present the five books, in an “easy to reach for” omnibus. Come explore Hillcrest with them, and maybe remember and re-learn that magic is all around us! Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this collection from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“Love sometimes requires saying and doing things that make us look and feel unpleasant. How we feel is nothing compared to what the other person needs“Love sometimes requires saying and doing things that make us look and feel unpleasant. How we feel is nothing compared to what the other person needs.”

Madeline Brown is back, and we can all be happy her m”meddling” hasn’t caused even MORE trouble. The only daughter of the widowed Mayor Albert Brown, Madeline accepts her first assignment with the Pinkerton agency and goes deeply “undercover” to find out if something big is going down in the town of Whitherwood Ohio. Amazingly, “Jane Sempleton” gets hired at the small local bank. With none of Madeline’s poise, the bank teller character she fashioned is accepted and even earns the trust of the locals. Every once in a while Madeline peeks out to make observations Jane might never dream of. The means of communication are short notes to her “fiancé “Royal, (another embellishment) that allow her to stay incognito and still keep Flint, the Pinkerton man, up-to-date....

Situations evolve that put Jane in some danger. Will Madeline be able to save her and salvage her reputation with her friends back in Rockford? Will her “matchmaking” help her new friends in Whitherwood find each other? Will Aunt Louisa understand? Will Russell ever forgive her? For answers to these and other questions, you will simply have to read this latest in the series Chautona Havig has hopefully planned on continuing for a long while. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“Guilt does wicked things to the imagination,” he muttered almost to himself.“

G.O.L.D (aka The Grand Old Lady Detectives) formed by Miriam and her fri“Guilt does wicked things to the imagination,” he muttered almost to himself.“

G.O.L.D (aka The Grand Old Lady Detectives) formed by Miriam and her friends at Seaview Cottages, have their first real case when one of their friends insists that “Shakespeare’s Ghost”is in her house, and it isn’t the first time! Robyn’s home is a mess, and the local constabulary doesn’t seem to believe her, until, the “ghost’s” body is found. Now what?

Delving deeper into the history of Robyn’s rental, they find the original owners’ history isn’t as pristine as they might want it perceived to be. Leave it to Miriam’s dog Domino to find the missing connection that begins to unlock the old history of the DeVoss house, and the tale gets “curiouser and curiouser”

How does Anna Celeste Burke do it? Write several series of books; keep the plots in line; and come up with twists that keep you guessing almost to the end. This is why I personally jump for joy when I see this author’s pre-release notice. I highly recommend these books. 5/5...more

“Sometimes it pays to have snoopy neighbors.” Pastor Henrietta was thankful Granny had many people looking out for her.”

Granny and Mavis go water skii“Sometimes it pays to have snoopy neighbors.” Pastor Henrietta was thankful Granny had many people looking out for her.”

Granny and Mavis go water skiing?! Well, it is Granny.

And, then the find a corpse?! Well, it is Granny.

And Granny starts sleuthing because...it is Granny and this is what Hermiony Vidalia Criony Fiddlestadt Crockett does. And although her friend Mavis’ partner George may be the culprit, Granny is sure that’s not the case.

Her attempts at finding the actual murderer takes them all to The Mall of America as her sister Amelia wants to check out the fun park there. But there’s plenty of laughs back in Fushia when Granny gets talked into running for Mayor against her straight-laced brother who wants to get rid of Fushia’s quirky charm...

Add Angel, Granny’s little granddaughter to help solve the clues and you might even solve the mystery before it’s time to go.

It’s been a while since I’ve visited Fushia Minnesota , but once I got there I happily settled in. Sometimes, the book felt a bit jumbled, but it was a very fun read. I love this series and the twists and turns kept me channeling my inner Granny. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

Mackenzie Taylor’s at it again! This time she’s involved in another fam"Be careful, Red. Don't shoot yourself in the foot by doing favors for people."

Mackenzie Taylor’s at it again! This time she’s involved in another family’s “situation” involving brothers, the two bars they own, and a historical treasure that may be somewhere in Boston. And then, there’s a politico, a cat, some shady dealings and musicians....and if that’s not enough add Boston on St.Patrick’s Day, and the “usual suspects” that live in her Brownstone and, if you can find your way around all that, she needs to figure out just who’s sleeping in Hunter’s bed!

In typical Mackenzie fashion, will she and Mack come out unscathed? And, why, pray tell is her father involved? No matter what, it’s Mackenzie Elizabeth Taylor’s world, and we’re happily along for the ride!

I just love Jennifer L. Hart’s tongue-in-cheek attitude about her books. I’ve read almost everything she’s written, and whether it is fantasy or mystery, she’s seriously got it going on and I’m a big supporter of whatever’s next! Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

Penny Banks, novice private investigator, member of the Terra Coven of Hillcrest, is learning many‘Learning to do magic has really changed my world.“

Penny Banks, novice private investigator, member of the Terra Coven of Hillcrest, is learning many things since she has begun to trust herself and her friends and fellow witches: Cora, Marley and Annie. They may not do all the esoterica around spell casting, but their spells work as each has manifested change within themselves.

Penny has been hired(!) to search Marely’s grandfather’s will as Rebecca the town librarian has found some anomalies around his signature. Little does she know just what will be found in the ensuing investigation.

In this, the 5th of the Hillcrest Witches series, Amorette Anderson tell us another story about Penny and her familiar Turkey, and just how she is allowing magic to change and challenge her perspectives. We get some “backstory” around Marley’s family and Hillcrest history, as well as how things aren’t always as they seem. The whole cast of characters including Chris,Max and Aurora are back and it just works. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

" In his mind, cats were the most intellectually superior species on the planet, which seemed laughable to me. Were humans otherwise deluded about the" In his mind, cats were the most intellectually superior species on the planet, which seemed laughable to me. Were humans otherwise deluded about their place in the animal kingdom? It sure made me wonder. "

Angie is a bit of an overachiever...7 Associate Degrees would prove that hands down. Her job as a paralegal puts her smack dab in the middle of the usual office... stuff. Until she gets electrocuted by the ancient coffee maker. Then her world changes....

When the managing partner and his family have to deal with his wealthy aunt's death and most of her money gets left to her cat :Octavius Maxwell Ricardo Edmund Frederick Fulton, the ..stuff hits the fan. And Angie finds she can communicate with the cat!? Octo-Cat insists that someone killed Ethel, and is sure Angie can help find out just who. The question becomes can she trust the cat to help?

Writing under the name Molly Fitz, Melissa Storm is developing a hilarious series of Pet Whisperer cosy mysteries that are guaranteed to make you have a good time when you read them. Octo-Cat, Nan and Angie are an unstoppable trio to figure out just what the neck is going on, even if Octo-Cat seems to be running the show! Highly Recommended 5/5...more

“…Whatever the case, it wasn’t fair for Thompson to move him clear across the country only to set him up to fall on the sword at the first available o“…Whatever the case, it wasn’t fair for Thompson to move him clear across the country only to set him up to fall on the sword at the first available opportunity. I needed to help him win this case, and not just because the office would feel sad and empty without him… But also because it was the right thing to do.”

Angie Russo still works part time at Thompson and Associates even though she’d been electrocuted by the coffee pot in the office, coming to to find she could now talk to animals. She’s still working there, in part because she’s crushing on the newest associate: Charles Longfellow III. He’s been assigned a very weird case defending an accused murderer of two people simply trying to sell a house. He’s also taking care of the deceased couple’s Yorkshire Terrier: Yo-Yo. Turns out Yo-Yo may be the most desirable witness to what actually happened. When Charles hears Angie and Octo-Cat talking one morning, he thinks maybe Angie might get Yo-Yo to tell who killed his humans....question is, will Octo-Cat climb down to a “dog’s level” to actually communicate with the little guy. Then, can they clear their client?

Molly Fitz writes high spirited really fun cosy mysteries. Short, sweet and to the point. As much as I love Angie and her grandmother, Octo-Cat and his superior cat-tatude are a bit over the top...which in some strange reasoning makes th whole thing work! Highly Recommended 5/5...more

‘Real life is never like the movies. It seems far too often, the bad guys win”

In this, the fourth book in the Firefly Junction series, Sunni Taylor, i‘Real life is never like the movies. It seems far too often, the bad guys win”

In this, the fourth book in the Firefly Junction series, Sunni Taylor, intrepid reporter and owner of the partially renovated Cider Ridge Inn, is assigned to cover the town Christmas play: A Christmas Carol, basically writing a piece focusing on the local performers donating their time, money and talent to support the local Christmas Faire. All of this adds to the stress of Sunni’s mother being back for the holidays, something she’s really not sure she wants to celebrate although her sisters have gotten into the spirit of the season full force. Sunni’s new “beau”-Brady Jackson is also around to add a bit of spice....until date night becomes more than either of them bargained on.

When the star of the play is killed during the performance, Brady and Sunni work together to find out why, and who did it. The maze of missing and additional information needs to be sorted and since the police are short-handed, Sunni’s skills at organizing may just be what they may need to find the killer.

London Lovett is a great writer with a solid reputation as a cosy mystery writer. Although set during the holidays, this story doesn’t depend on the holidays as anything more than its setting...it can be read anytime of the year. Highly recommended 5/5

[disclaimer:as part of a holiday giveaway, I won this book from the author as well as a box of Christmas themed surprises. In no way did that influence my review of this book]...more

Georgie and Jack find themselves dancing through yet another mystery as Georgie’s assistant Carol’s Godmother,Madame Carol Chantal, a world renown ballroom dancer is found dead just before the Ballroom Dance Competition being held at yet another new “Mad Max Marley World” venue. Besides calming down Max, Georgie must support her friend Carol and unravel a complicated string of clues and egos, including the police presence as the steps get more and more crazy. Family issues, bad blood and ungraceful situations abound, making more than Geogie’s cats yowl in confusion.

How does author Anna Celeste Burke do it? How can she keep the tension from overwhelming the reader yet keep us coming back for more? She makes readers care what happens to everyone as we become part of the “scenes” she presents, and treats us to help in finding clues to a satisfying end of every mystery she writes. Another winner! Highly recommended. 5/5...more

“I believe in you Penny,” he says. “I know you’re on the right track. Follow your instincts.”

Max may believe in Penny, but does Penny believe in herse“I believe in you Penny,” he says. “I know you’re on the right track. Follow your instincts.”

Max may believe in Penny, but does Penny believe in herself? Isn’t that what the Trust Spell in’s about?

After Annie connects with the Spirit realm, she quickly puts the rest of the coven on notice that they’re sponsoring a tennis tournament- the first Annual Walterton. Penny opens the portal and the spirits come in for 48 hours of tennis and trouble when the judge is murdered in Annie’s bathroom and Private Investgator Penny is on the case. Question is can she find the killer before the Spirits need to return to their realm in 2 days? And, will Turkey ever trust Max? And what on earth does he do online all day?

Amorette Anderson has done it again! “The Case of the Trust Spell” is a wonderful exploration of the next “lesson” in ASBW, which, until they share it together and alone, they may not be able to manifest. I found myself tearing up a bit as I “heard” this lesson as loudly as if I was in the middle of a coven meeting with the four neophyte witches. I can hardly wait to see what the next “spell” brings forth. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“Of course. Usually it’s sound investigative practice to look for a motive. It’s only where there seems to be no clear one—or too many clear ones—wher“Of course. Usually it’s sound investigative practice to look for a motive. It’s only where there seems to be no clear one—or too many clear ones—where you must learn to broaden your mind and think outside of your logical constraints.”

In a rare change, the usual taciturn Ruby teaches her protégée Nora about a past situation where the motive for a murder wasn’t very obvious. With it, we get a bit of background on characters that, if you are a reader of the series, might help explain how they are in the current present in Eastwind.

And we learn the Ruby’s familiar is as “talkative” as Nora’s Grimm is, and a “scenthound” to boot.

Nova Nelson gives us a brief historical snippet of life in Eastwind prior to Nora, and, without coming right out and saying it, Ruby is glad she’s there now, and we readers are too. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more

“No, thank you, Katie,” she said patting her stomach. “I’m trying to be good.” Katie laughed. “You’re a vicar, Reverend. You can’t not be good.”

Rev. A“No, thank you, Katie,” she said patting her stomach. “I’m trying to be good.” Katie laughed. “You’re a vicar, Reverend. You can’t not be good.”

Rev. Annabelle Dixon cares for her community... even the people who aren’t part of her Upton St.Mary parish. Until there’s rumors of a small communal “cult” living just on the edge. Housing a small group of people who seem “harmless”, Annabelle is determined to make them feel welcome, until someone at the house is murdered, and the vicar is not going to accept the police arresting someone on heresay evidence, even if he threatened the leader because his daughter chooses to live with them instead of home; where she should be.

Annabelle has her detractors, the police in particular; and without her friend Inspector Mike to bolster her unique ways of investigating, they seem to try to thwart her inquiries. And the story takes twists and turns that would discourage anyone...but the vicar.

Alison Golden tells a rocking good story as we again get to be by her side in this unique setting. As a retired minister, I may “get” Annabelle in a different way than others, but the truth is right in front of the reader: the sixth book of the series joins the first five as a great read. Highly Recommended 5/5.

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]...more